The Walking Dead season 7 is barely days away from airing its ninth episode. Fans will finally get to see a retaliating Rick, as he tries to recruit others along the way to take on Negan. But how successful will he be? The show’s executive producer Gale Anne Hurd responded to some of the unanswered questions.

Since the mid-season finale episode, fans have been excited to see Rick and his group take on Negan. However, it is a fact that the people in Alexandria are currently outnumbered by the saviors. But Hurd said that the survivors are “absolutely” ready to go against the saviors. Moreover, she also hinted that Rick will be taking the next step as “they’re going to take it to Negan.”

Gregory Harder to Recruit in Upcoming Episode of The Walking Dead

Previous teaser trailers revealed Rick attempting to recruit Ezekiel and Gregory. While both sides have chosen to remain non-violent with the saviors in the past, The Kingdom run by Ezekiel won’t be the main challenge for Rick. While Rick will certainly face tough challenges ahead of him, fans must note that he has also gone through dramatic changes due to Negan’s actions. Earlier episodes showed him as a leader with no hope. Now that Daryl is on his side again, Negan might be on the losing end before the season finale.

Rick and Daryl Team Up in Fighting Negan

AMC has shared the entire Q&A response made by Hurd on their official website. “We get to see whether or not he can take back the mantle of leadership. Everyone has been changed. Daryl, who feels an incredible responsibility for Glenn’s death, won’t give in to Negan and he won’t say, ‘I’m Negan.’ Ultimately, he and Rick are reunited, which I think bodes very well for their future and not so well for Negan’s,” Hurd said.

AMC also published interviews with other executive producers such as Tom Luse and co-executive producer Denise Huth. The Walking Dead season seven’s ninth episode will air on February 12. An earlier teaser gave fans a look at a recovered Daryl with a new crossbow. The rest of the team was also shown preparing for their upcoming battle with Negan.